Remember, remember the fifth of November for all the right reasons, urge police

Published:10:47Friday 02 November 2012

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STRATHCLYDE Police are spearheading a campaign to ensure that residents in Milngavie and Bearsden remember the 5th of November for all the right reasons.

Officers are working closely with Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, East Dunbartonshire Council and trading standards officers to ensure bonfire night is safe for everyone.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue has been delivering bonfire safety talks to all Primary 7 pupils across East Dunbartonshire to encourage them to be safe and to warn them of the dangers associated with antisocial behaviour and fireworks.

If you intend to have your own fireworks, Trading Standards advice is to only buy fireworks from legitimate sources and follow the fireworks code.

Residents are also reminded to check that you buy the right kind of fireworks for your chosen spot as most gardens are less than half the size of the recommended safety distance for fireworks normally sold in shops.

Chief Inspector Roddy Irvine, Area Commander for Strathclyde Police in East Dunbartonshire, said: “We are all working together with a common purpose to make this year’s bonfire night as safe as possible in order that members of the public can enjoy the evening.

“Unfortunately, antisocial and irresponsible behaviour can accompany bonfire night and as such Strathclyde Police will in conjunction with our partners be proactively tackling the misuse of fireworks, illegal bonfires and anyone breaking the law will be dealt with accordingly.

“If anyone has information regarding the illegal use of fireworks or is concerned regarding the construction of a bonfire please do not hesitate to contact your local police office or East Dunbartonshire Council’s Contact Centre 0300 123 4510.”

Area Commander Paul Connelly, from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, East and West Dunbartonshire Area, said: “This is always a very busy time of year for our operational crews and often many of the calls we receive are in response to deliberate or malicious fires.

“We would ask for your co-operation in keeping yourselves and your communities safe. Join the fight against fire by ensuring that you do not allow an accumulation of refuse which could be ignited and take note of our firework safety advice, which is to attend a local organised display and don’t go near an ‘unofficial’ display where safety rules may be ignored or where dangerous fuels such as drums of oil added to the fire could potentially be a deadly hazard.

“Keep an eye on your children and don’t let them stray too close to any fire or fireworks.

“Consider others. People who are elderly, infirm or unwell will not appreciate the unwelcome noise generated by some fireworks.

“And Keep dogs and other pets indoors and reduce chances of them being frightened by explosives and the misuse of fireworks.”